Animal Farm by George Orwell  ( ISBN 9780452277502)

    -and-

Lost Names: Scenes from a Korean Boyhood by Richard Kim  (ISBN 9780520214280)

2010 Summer Reading Exploration

The theme for seventh grade boys English is GROWING UP MALE. During the 2010–2011 school year we will study each short story, novel or poem we read for our growing up male themes. At the end of the year, hopefully, you can answer the question, "What does it mean to grow up male in the school year 2010–2011?" In the literature you will read about the lives of many different men, their struggles growing up, their realization of adulthood, and their satisfaction of discovery. Although growing up can sometimes be a difficult and trying experience, as you shall see through the people you will read about, the rewards and lessons are most valuable.

This summer, as you read Animal Farm and Lost Names, please take the time to underline and annotate elements of the text that relate to this theme.  Animal Farm provides a slightly different take since the characters are animals rather than individuals; therefore, focus on the progression and change of the characters from the beginning to the end.

Growing Up Male Themes

•    Taking on more responsibility
•    Using advice from adults or peers
•    Understanding different points of view
•    Valuing education
•    Coping with injustice
•    Gaining self-confidence
•    Changing from life experiences

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